About Jeff

Composer, Actor, Musician
Jeff has been fortunate to be able to share these gifts over the years with an ever widening audience. But like the title of his latest CD, none of this would matter if Jesus and His Spirit were not "In The Midst" of it all. And that's where the heart of it lies for Jeff. Whether it's preparing a sermon, leading a workshop, or writing music. Somehow, someway, he hopes he is part of telling God's story.

He's played piano since he was about eleven years old. But he's not had formal training other than Ruthford Mains at the Ostrowsky Institute...... but that's another story. ;)

Jeff's been working with various theatre groups for about the last 20 years. From improv to composing music, he continues to receive invitations to collaborate. In 2002 life changed a little....okay a lot.

Minister of Music
He was called to serve at Ridgeview Mennonite Church as their Minister of Music. While he had attended Ridgeview since 1982 this time he was to become part of the staff. He left a full-time job in Manheim at Crane Specialists and started working both places in a half-time capacity. Around this same time an extraordinary gift came Jeff's way, a Schimmel grand piano. Having the right tool has been an amazing thing, and has continued to unfold new opportunities.


Ted & Company
Jeff has been blessed to be working with Ted Swartz on various projects. In 2008 they created the show Tattered and Worn and that has reached deeper than what was imagined. It's a poignant, delightful story of an angel helping a homeless man re-discover the faith he thought he lost. In 2009 they co-wrote a new Christmas show - "Just Give Em The News. and the bookings for that are continuing to increase. There's a scene of God & Gabriel in God's office as they differ on the way to let Mary know she will be with child.  After all "It's a little complicated". And who would want to miss the chance to sing along with "Get Mary Off The Donkey...she's gonna have a baby tonight. Finally there's a delightful exchange between Schmidick the Shepherd that should not be missed.  Beyond his role as co-creator, actor and musician in some of Ted & Company shows. Jeff is also serving on the Vision Team for Ted & Company along with Phil Bergey, Jen Howver and Ted.

Raught N. Apples
Now the latest, is the forming of an Improvisation Comedy Troupe called....Raught N. Apples - comedy to the core. If you are looking for something for a banquet or company gathering. ..this is it. Jeff and his troupe of talented comedic actors deliver improv comedy hand-picked by you. Jeff has been doing "Improv" for many years, but now with Raught N. Apples it has an identity. And now you can contact us and book us for a different night of entertainment.

Raught N. Shane
In 1992 Jeff along with Deeter Lutz formed the band Raught N. Shane and Doug Kulp joined them in 93'. They don't perform together as often as they once did. But the band is still banded together and when the opportunity presents, the schedules align, the wind is blowing from the west, the sun is 37 degrees above the horizon....well they continue to perform live locally.Robin Work & Lisa Meck Engel have been a part of the mix, and join them when they can.

Raught N. Friends
There are times when the original band members are not available. And besides, Jeff's work has taken him far and wide and he has the opportunity to work with a lot of different people. So sometimes when they are gathered together for an event.....Well they need a name...
Raught N. Friends.seems to work. After all who doesn't need a few Raught N. Friends. here and there.

 

Limited Seating Coffeehouse

You may have noticed on the calendar this thing called the Limited Seating Coffeehouse and wondered where it is. Well we hold those here at our house. We host some and occassionally others host them. Sometimes we know the guests, sometimes they are new friends. We can only seat 18 maximum, hence the name. And we only hold these during the Winter months. It's also by invitation only and so it takes awhile to get through the list of people. It's a delightful evening where we reveal the story of how we got the Schimmel piano. There is a wonderful spread of desserts, fresh fruit, coffee, and more. And then Jeff shares songs and stories that have been part of his journey over the years. If you're interested..... let us know.

Family
Since 1983 Jeff has been married to the love of his life Cindy. They have two fine sons, Alan and Ed and an extraordinary canine....Henry.. But whether as Dad, husband or musician, most important is having God surrounding him and his family. It's a life of God first, and the rest follows.